Feeling at Home on the River

The stories in this annual report share a theme of ‘home’. From providing a new home to thousands of trees to welcoming schoolchildren to their first experience at the river, the amazing Mississippi River provides shelter and nourishment to plants, animals, and people alike.

Thousands discovered their close-to-home national park in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area throughout the last year. The Mississippi River is a refuge for those seeking solace, inspiration, and comfort, and we are grateful to you for being its stewards.

In February 2021 we hosted our first large-scale, in-person event since the pandemic started. Moira Villiard’s Madweyaashkaa was a stunning art projection that explored themes of homecoming and finding connection within ourselves to culture, ancestors, and nature.

We’ve been working with a number of community partners to host experiences specifically for communities of color. BIPOC in the Outdoors events provide intentional spaces for BIPOC community members to engage with parks in ways that are empowering, restorative, and joyous.

Superintendent Tucker Blythe made the Mississippi River in Minnesota his new home in October 2021. He will lead the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area through the City of Saint Paul’s formal design process for a new River Learning Center, which will also be the new home for the National Park Service headquarters.

We hope these stories inspire you to find your own way of feeling at home by the river.

Katie Nyberg signature — **Katie Nyberg**
*Executive Director*

Barry Clegg Signature — **Barry Clegg**
*Board Chair*

Matthew Blythe signature — **Tucker Blythe**
*Superintendent*

River Learning Center

Illuminate The Lock

BIPOC In The Outdoors

Donors

River Learning Center

+ National Park Service Headquarters

This year, we joined the Great River Passage Conservancy and long-time partner Wilderness Inquiry in fundraising for a new home for the National Park Service Headquarters and River Learning Center in Saint Paul. The City of Saint Paul-led initiative is part of the Great River Passage Master Plan. The new Center will enhance access along the river at Crosby Farm Regional Park and offer more opportunities for people to connect to and get onto the Mississippi River.

The three lead organizations have successfully raised the funding to begin schematic design. In January of 2022, the City of Saint Paul selected W Architecture & Landscape Architecture as the lead design team. The firm’s expertise includes working with urban waterfront sites and transforming marginal areas into vital places for people to gather.

The new River Learning Center is perfectly situated at a strategic, 25-acre city-owned site, sitting at the convergence of key cultural, historical, ecological, recreational, and development sites, with MSP Airport, Mall of America, and Fort Snelling nearby. The River Learning Center will host year-round environmental, cultural, and historical education and recreation opportunities, and its two sheltered bays will help thousands of local and national visitors feel at home on the river.

A digital illustration of people recreating on the river. One person kayaks. One person is on their knees planting a plant. One person takes a picture of a butterfly. Two people plant a tree together.

“This will be a place to connect with the river—to stand in it, float on it, touch and hear it.”

— Katie Nyberg

“Our Mississippi River offers enormous opportunities for our entire community. As we continue rebuilding, leveraging its full potential is vital to our city’s future.”

— Mayor Melvin Carter, Saint Paul, Minnesota

An aerial map graphic of Crosby Farm Regional Park and Watergate Marina. The marina has one large bay with lines to indicate boat docks, and a smaller undeveloped bay to the left. Shepard Rd and the Mississippi River border the edges of the park.

Illuminate The Lock

Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard
By Moira Villiard

On a cold dark night in February, the 400x50-foot cement lock wall at St. Anthony Falls sprung to life with a ten-minute video projection of Grandmother Moon (Nokomis), fire, earth, water, and the jingle dress dance entwined in swirling colors. Thousands of people safely gathered to watch Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard by Moira Villiard, a self-taught, dynamic visual artist, a direct descendent of the Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe, and a current Minnesota-based community organizer.

“It was cold, people were masked, and yet the feeling of gathering together, witnessing Villiard’s lovely story of homecoming offered quite a bit of hope for the new year.” - Sheila Regan, MinnPost

Illuminate the Lock was a partnership with All My Relations Arts, a program of Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI); Northern Lights.mn, Mississippi Park Connection and Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and was supported through a grant from the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board.

Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard by Moira Villiard

Graphic that says 2,550 attendees for the number of people who attended Illuminate The Lock in 2021.

Graphic that says 15 screenings for the number of times the video was shown at Illuminate The Lock in 2021.

Read Event Program

Photo by Dan San Creatives. Used with permission from the artist.

“The partnerships that brought Madweyaashkaa into being made it a once in a lifetime opportunity for me as an artist. The piece explored themes of Indigenous women’s empowerment through traditions, navigating the pandemic, and our collective connection to the water that gives life to us all. It was really empowering to collaborate with my team on a new storytelling medium that connected to such a historically significant place, and to reflect on ways to honor the river. In a sense, it was also a collaboration with the river. The natural acoustics and soundscape of the Falls became part of the crafted audio experience. Each viewing was a unique experience, beholden to the sound of the river and the colors of the sky.”

— Moira Villiard, Illuminate The Lock Artist, 2021

Screen+Shot+2021-01-04+at+9.46.12+PM.jpg

A graphic illustration that says BIPOC in the outdoors. The letters are resting on a green hillside. There is a person of color in a kayak on one side and a person of color planting a tree on the other side.

BIPOC in the Outdoors is an emerging movement that centers the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color community members and their relationship to nature, land, and each other. We build capacity for BIPOC in the Outdoors by investing in a full-time program coordinator and BIPOC event leaders who create stewardship, recreational, and educational events in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Our program approaches environmental stewardship, education, and recreation at the park with a community co-creation model that aligns with the needs and requests of BIPOC outdoor enthusiasts in the Twin Cities.

“BIPOC are able to connect, learn, and simply exist without the fear or pressure of being alone in the outdoors. These intentional spaces allow participants freedom to express themselves, their cultures, identities, and unique outdoor experiences, which leads to lasting connections and relationships between participants and nature alike.”

— Tamara Few, Program Coordinator, Mississippi Park Connection

A graphic that says "Our role in a growing movement: Organizational partnerships and relationships. BIPOC belonging and safety in the outdoors. Including BIPOC narratives and knowledge of nature. Building and cultivating an outdoors BIPOC etc.

A graphic that says 19 events for the number of BIPOC events held in 2021

A graphic of a circle with 98% in the middle to indicate that 98% of those questioned said they felt like participation in a BIPOC event was beneficial to their physical, social, and emotional well-being. (104 responses).

A graphic that says 203 participants for the number of people who attended a BIPOC in the outdoors event in 2021

A graphic of a circle with 99% in the middle to indicate that 99% of those questioned said they felt more empowered to protect or improve the natural environment after attending a BIPOC in the outdoors event. (104 responses).

A graphic of a participant statement quote that says, “This brought so much joy to our family; we cannot thank you enough! This type of work is so important. A different future is possible thanks in part to programs like this!” - Caroline Ogletree

A graphic of a participant statement quote that says, “It helped me feel safe. It was so great to be around other BIPOC folks. I usually stick out in nature (and feel like I don’t quite belong) but being together helped a lot.” - Christina Knudson

A graphic of a participant statement quote that says, “I felt way more comfortable being myself in this group. Having a space available for BIPOC is so important especially in nature where we can connect with our roots.” - Emma Mushaka

A graphic of a participant statement quote that says, “Everyone was so welcoming and knowledgeable. I feel confident to venture out on my own in the future. This community was something I didn’t even realize I needed.” - Anonymous.

Donor & Volunteer Spotlight: Stephanie Wang

A photo of a woman standing in a prairie field at the golden hour. She is holding a paper bag and collecting seeds from the prairie plants. She is wearing a baseball cap and a purple long sleeved shirt. The prairie is golden from the sun.

“At a BIPOC Mushroom Clinic, Community Volunteer Ambassador Quentin Ikuta reminded us that the diversity we introduced as human visitors was as important to the vitality of the park as maintaining the diversity of plants is to the health of the ecosystem. It struck me how grateful I am for the recent opportunities your organization has created for me to connect with the Mississippi River and with community. Tamara Few, Quentin, and [Alphonso] provided a welcoming environment. Thank you for creating inclusive environments by supporting opportunities for BIPOC community members to connect with one another while exploring the wonders of the Mississippi River.”

— Stephanie Wang, Mississippi Park Connection Member and Volunteer

Thanks to the program partners and hosts:

Tracy Few and Tamara Few

Two people stand in the woods. They have just planted some trees and are standing next to a large white water bucket.

Ashley O’Neill Prado

A person digs a hole on the hillside within a forest. They are planting a tree.

Marielle Mateo

A person smiles up close to the camera. They are holding a plant.

Pallav Kumar (left)

A person demonstrates how to fix a bike part outside under an outdoor pavilion. The bike is flipped upside down and another person watches.

Pallav Kumar

A person demonstrates in front of a bike propped up in a bike stand. They are standing under a white canopy tent outdoors.

Alphonso Le (right)

A person sits on a fallen log in the middle of the woods. They are holding a fungi and talking. Another person stands nearby and watches.

Alphonso Le (left)

A person holds out fungi for a few onlookers to observe. They are standing as a group in the forest.

Mishaila Bowman - Lower Phalen Creek Project (left)

A person holds a plant baby in their hand and another person holds a bucket of water. They are both standing next to a tree near a prairie.

Mishaila Bowman - Lower Phalen Creek Project (second from left)

A group of people stand together to pose for a picture under a tree near a prairie. It is a bright sunny day and everyone is smiling.

Alphonso Le (he/him)
Asha Shoffner (she/her), Environmental & Outdoor Education Program Coordinator, Saint Paul Parks & Recreation
Ashley O'Neill Prado (they/them), Youth Coordinator, Friends of the Mississippi River
Laura Mann Hill (she/her), Stewardship and Education Program Director, Friends of the Mississippi River
Lower Phalen Creek Project
Marielle Mateo (she/her)
Pallav Kumar (he/they)
Sophie Downey (she/her), Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, Friends of the Mississippi River
Tracy Few (she/her), Urban Forestry Technician, Saint Paul Parks & Recreation
Thank you to Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation and Bigelow Foundation for their support in launching this program.

We reached a major milestone in 2021: planting 15,000 climate-adapted trees and shrubs in their forever-home in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, in partnership with the National Park Service, dozens of partners, and thousands of volunteers!

This campaign started as a conversation with land managers, river organizations, and community members in 2017. We discussed dramatic loss of tree canopy due to the emerald ash borer, issues with cottonwood regeneration, and uncertainty about adapting to a changing climate. Together, we began to reforest with a compilation of species that will increase biodiversity and resilience to climate change within these urban forests and green spaces. This year we also partnered with the Science Museum of Minnesota to create an interactive StoryMap to educate youth and the general public about the project.

EXPLORE STORY MAP

A GIF of 5 different illustrated trees that appear randomly.

A flashing GIF image that says "Trees we planted this year 2,157" and the next image says "For a tree & shrub total of 15,433"

This work was made possible by the Wildlife Conservation Society through its Climate Adaptation Fund through a grant by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

Mississippi River Crew

Plant For The Future is supported by our Mississippi River Crew. The crew consists of Youth Outdoors AmeriCorps Member leaders (ages 18-25) and Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa youth (ages 15-18), who engage in meaningful, hands-on conservation projects throughout the year. Their restoration efforts include clearing acres of buckthorn and planting trees, shrubs, and plants for greater biodiversity in the river ecosystem.

Walk Through A Planting Site

Donor & Volunteer Spotlight: Merchology

People work together to gather water from a lake by making an assembly line of buckets.

A group of people stand together and hold buckthorn clippings that they have removed from the forest.

A group of people stand together and smile, holding shovels and buckets in the middle of a forest.

A group of people stand near the edge of the lake. There are kayaks in the foreground and they are about to kayak on the lake.

A group of people stand next to the water’s edge and pose for a photo. They are at a volunteer event.

“Sustainability is a deep part of the culture at Merchology, which led us to partner with Mississippi Park Connection through our 1% For The Planet membership. The Mississippi River plays such a vital role in our environment and ecosystem. We are grateful to be able to support Mississippi Park Connection through volunteering and sponsoring events like Picnic for the Park. We also love using Mississippi River Paddle Share to kayak along the river and enjoy the beauty.”

— Katie Urban, Merchology, Lead of Giveback Initiatives

A blue and green graphic that says "By The Numbers Oct 1, 2020 - Sept 30, 2021" and stick figures of a person in a kayak and someone holding a tour flag.

Green and blue graphic. 32,918 visitors at the St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam. 7,000 more than any other year! River drawdown in October: 5,496. A stick figure of a person walking toward a dam.

2,532 volunteers. 12,336 volunteer hours. Graphic of green stick figure palm holding a plant

12,925 students. Youth Education: In-person and hybrid programs. Blue and green graphic. Stick figure children walking toward trees.

Green and blue graphic with park ranger stick figure. 1,092 participants in ranger led events: boating, birding biking, hiking, seed ID, bark ranger, and virtual programs.

140 habitat restoration events. green and blue graphic of a shovel in the ground next to a freshly planted plant.

8,011 Site Visitors. Youth Education: Virtual Programs. Blue and green graphic of stick figure person talking on a computer screen. Sept 1 2020-Aug 31 2021.

Graphic: The Mississippi River Fellowship is a paid 10-week fellowship for young adults to explore careers with the National Park Service. This year's fellows worked with the Missisippi National River and Recreation Area ranger in natural resource...

Four people stand against the railing on the deck of a boat on the Mississippi River. They are smiling and looking at the camera.

Two people stand in the tall grasses of a prairie and watch a park ranger in uniform give a demonstration.

Several people paddle along a winding river in kayaks and canoes.

A person in a kayak and a person in a canoe paddle on the Mississippi River.

Two people stand in the grasses of a prairie and make observations about wildlife in a notebook.

A person stands in a field of bright yellow wild flowers and tall prairie grasses.

Two people stand next to a gravel bed tree nursery with a park ranger in uniform.

Several people paddle around a lake in yellow kayaks.

Two people paddle on a lake in yellow kayaks.

Four people stand against the railing at the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam with the falls and a large bridge behind them in the background.

Ten people sit in chairs around a table in a break room and smile at the camera.

A person holds a bird in his hand while another person watches. They are both wearing life jackets and standing near water.

A person gives a demonstration in front of a group sitting at picnic tables under an outdoor pavilion.

A person wearing a life jacket talks in front of a group sitting at or near picnic tables in the middle of a forest near water. They are about to paddle on the water.

A person wearing a life jacket and a hate sits in a yellow kayak on the river.

FINANCIALS

Oct 1, 2020- Sept 30, 2021

Graphic: Expenses - Community Programs and Engagement: $191,800 Environmental Stewardship: $355,860 Youth Education: $187,102 Paddle Share: $186,775 River Learning Center: $202,497 Fundraising and Management: $150,287 Total: $1,274,321

*Some funds that were raised in 2020 were used for 2021 program expenses.

Investing in 100% Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) Objectives

Graphic: 4 people hold hands and embrace a globe with green leaves sprouting out from behind.

Mississippi Park Connection manages a $3.4 million endowment that increases capacity for environmental stewardship, community engagement, and youth education in the park. With careful oversight, the endowment creates significant revenue for park programs and projects, while protecting the fund’s principle.

In 2021, after an 18-month research process that engaged local foundations and fund advisors, Mississippi Park Connection’s board of directors made the decision to invest 100% of the endowment into mission-aligned funds. By committing the portfolio to Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives, the endowment is providing both environmental and social benefits to the community as well as perpetual financial support for park programs.

Board Members

2020-present

Mangala Acharya, Enterprise Release Management – Quality Delivery Lead, 3M
Barry Clegg, Board Chair, Attorney, Lathrop GPM
John B. Driscoll
James Eastman
Peter Ebnet, Senior Strategic Policy Advisor, Office of Mayor Frey, City of Minneapolis
Kevion Ellis, Education Minnesota
Mike Hahm, Director, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, Office of Mayor Carter, City of Saint Paul

Dianne Hickok, Board Treasurer, CPA
Sam Holsen, Social Investment Representative, Xcel Energy
Sonia James, Environmental Health and Safety Manager, Boston Scientific
Cathy Jordan, Associate Director for Leadership & Education, Institute on the Environment; Associate Professor, Pediatrics and Extension, University of Minnesota Consulting Research Director, Children and Nature Network

Leslie Kinsman, Vice Chair, Business Director, Andersen Corporation
Scott Parkin, Senior Supply Chain Manager, Stratasys
Kristin Rasmussen, Board Secretary, Panacetacea
Mark Sullivan, Global Marketing Communications Director, 3M
Amanda Wigen, Wigen Consulting LLC; Friends of the Falls

Staff Members

Lisa Ferguson, Bookkeeping Services
Tamara Few, Program Coordinator
Mary Hammes, Stewardship Director
David Kappelhoff, Education Coordinator
Maricio Madrigal, Saint Paul Right-Track Intern

Andrew Marotz, Volunteer Coordinator
Katie Nyberg, Executive Director
Callie Sacarelos, Communications & Marketing Coordinator
Anna Waugh, Development & Communications Director

Service Members

Mike Curran, AmeriCorps GreenCorps Member
Alanna Elder, AmeriCorps GreenCorps Member
Becca Hansen, AmeriCorps ForestryCorps Member

Kaisy Jo Nuñez, AmeriCorps ForestryCorps Member
Kristy Ornelas, AmeriCorps VISTA Member
Ze Thao Sengsoulichanh, AmeriCorps VISTA Member

Mississippi River Crew (CCMI)

Krystal Binversie
McKenna Clark
Matt Fliegel
Amelia Neilson (crew leader)

Mississippi River Fellows

Deacon DeBoer
Melina Pakey-Rodriguez

Screen Shot 2021-01-04 at 9.55.34 PM.png

Thank you, Contributors

Oct 1, 2020 - Sept 30, 2021

Contributions of $100,000+

Mary L. Hilfiker

National Park Foundation

Wildlife Conservation Society

Contributions of $25,000-$49,999

3M Foundation

F.R. Bigelow Foundation

National Park Trust

Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation

Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation

Contributions of $10,000-$24,999

Boston Scientific Foundation

Krahl-Thacker Family Fund

Robert F. McLean

BOGS Outside Grants

Friends of the Falls

Merchology

Minnesota Historical Society

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency - Environmental Assistance Fund

Mortenson Family Foundation

National Park Service

Patagonia

Patrick & Aimee Butler Family Foundation

REI Co-Op

River Road Foundation

Three Rivers Park District

Bill and Judy Walter

Winnebago Industries Foundation

Xcel Energy

Contributions of $5,000-$9,999

Jay and Page Cowles Giving Fund

David Winton Bell Foundation

Ecolab Foundation

First Congregational Church of Minnesota

David Hartwell

Eric Michael and Josh Hillger

John and Kirsten Driscoll

Jones Family Fund

Kristin Rasmussen

Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary

Minnesota Environmental Fund

One Tree Planted

W. Second Growth Foundation

Contributions of $1,000-$4,999

The Alces Trust

Anonymous

Alison and Owen Brown

Laurel Bruno

Barry Clegg and Roberta Swanson

William Driscoll and Lisa Hoffman

National Parks Conservation Association

Susan and Bert Gross

Cline and Dianne Hickok

Anne Hunt

Cynthia Kriha and James Eastman

Lathrop GPM

S. McLean Charitable Fund

Thomas Meyer and Martha Meyer-VonBlon

Katie and Jeff Nyberg

Open Door Foundation

Pohlad Family Foundation

Plantra*

Prospect Park Co-Op Legacy Fund

Mary and Adam Sellke

Mark and Julie Sullivan

The Summit Trust

Target Circle Guest-Directed Giving Program

Tennant Company Foundation

David Winton Bell Foundation

Nathan Zietlow and Sarah Risser in memory of Henry Zietlow

*Gifts In Kind

Contributions of $500-$999

Anonymous

Marie Asgian

Thomas Barry

Tim Carl and Jean Garbarini in memory of Roger Martin, FASLA

Center for Rural Affairs

Raymond Chiu and Stephanie Wang

Nathan and Julia Cross

Jim and Tricia Davidson

Chad and Maggie Dayton

Edward and Sherry Ann Dayton

Sandy Fuller

Mary and Peter Gove

Christine Hammes

Samuel Kaplan and Sylvia Chessen Kaplan

Leslie Kinsman

Al and Kathy Lenzmeier

Jodi and Patrick Massey

Messerli Kramer

Bob Milligan

Marcia and Gary Richter

David Schmidt and Sara Klasky

Ellen Schnobrich

Mark and Julie Sullivan

Anne Swearingen

Kinnell Tackett

Molly Toenjes

Lee Vue

Milly McLean and Daniel Waugh

Marilyn Wells and Doug Throckmorton

Amanda Wigen

Alan and Lynn Wyman

John Zakelj and Bonnie Watkins

Margaret Zverinova

Contributions of $250-$499

Marjie Blevins

Nick Boreen in honor of The Bridge Run

Corey Butler

Sharon and Rick Cornejo

Michael Dorn

Dan and Ariel Dressler

Ralphina Eastman

Ronald Edlund in memory of Cate Edlund

Nancy Feldman

Susan Flynn

Meg Forney

Barbara Franklin in memory of Walter J. and Dorothy Breckenridge

JoAnn Funk and Steven Marking

Lori Giebel

Wilma Gitchel

Dan Hathaway

Stan and Mary Hunter

Janet Huss

Catherine Jordan and Fred Dulles

Mark Kinney

Vonny and Justin Kleinman

Greg Lais and Patti Thurber

Sherryl Livingston and James Lundy

Kristen Mertens

Lillie Mobley in memory of John Kimmet

Mark and Katie Mortenson

Chris Mortenson and Nathalie Salas Gonzalez

Elizabeth Neuvar

Joan and Richard Newmark

Pat Nunnally

Scott Parkin

Steven Pope and Amanda Grimm

Darryl and Diane Sannes

Diane Steen-Hinderlie and John Olson in honor of John Anfinson

Sean Walbran

Julie Whitted

Contributions of $100-$249

Andersen Corporation

Harish and Mangala Acharya

Ben Anderson

John Anfinson

Anonymous

Denny and Cindy Appleman

Grace Bartels

Margaret Berrisford

Bob Bieraugel

Thelma Boeder

William and Margaret Bracken

Tom Breviu

Robert Bruininks and Susan Hagstrum

Gail Buhl and Brad Johnson

Whitney and Sarah Clark

Jeannette Cleland and Timothy Schumann

Kate Clover

Dana and Doug Cousins

Barbara Coffin and Dan Engstrom

Bennie and Kathy Cohen

Francine Corcoran

Dana and Doug Cousins

Mary deLaittre

Steve Dietz and Janet Malotky

Sally Dunn

Kevion Ellis

Hollis Emery

Gannett Foundation

Bruce and Laurel Gaard

Ann Gardner

Finlay Gibbons

Brian Goodspeed

Mike Hahm and Amy Brendmoen

Barb Hawes

Edward Heimel and Christine Klejbuk

Tom Holtzleiter

Lisa Hondros

Mary James

Holly Jett

Steve and Debbie Johnson

Eric Jolly, PhD

Frederic Jordan

Ann Kearns

Lisa Keitel

Ellen Kluz

Susan Kmetz

Bill and Jeanne Kosfeld

JoAnn Kyral

Sue and Paul Labovitz

Gregory and Victoria Lang

Dorothy and Lee Larson

Pat Larson

Deborah Lewis

Amy Lytton

Mark MacLennan

Don and Abby Marier

Paul Markwardt

Lawrence Martin

Cynthia McMahon

Adam Muilenburg

John Neitge

Chuck Nelson and Jean Urman

Jane Nevin

Megan Noetzel

Louise Ogden

Eugene and Julie Ollila

Susan and Charlie Oltman

Jennifer Plombon and Steven Haines

Mary Radtke and Emma Schaper

Alan Robbins-Fenger

Jim Roe

Christopher Ross

Michelle Rutledge

Wade Schmelzer

Steve Simon

Russ Stark and Katherine Murray

Peter and Caron Stebinger

Duncan Storlie

Paula and Lucas Swingley

Barb Thoman

Leo Timmons and Kate Havelin

Lyndon Torstenson

Joanne Trygestad Linda and John Van Arsdale

VMware Foundation

Guff Van Vooren and Vicki Raport

Stacy Walts

Anna Waugh and Cyrus Butler

Jill Weese and Steven Vincent

Lark Weller

Karen Westphall

Carol Zoff

Jo Zubke in memory of Ly Ly

Contributions Up to $99

Anonymous

Jason Ames

Michael and Rebecca Amidon

Barbara Andersen

Dean and Janet Anderson

Antonio Arroz

Ryan and Annie-Louise Backman

James Badali

Lisa Bain

John Bartlett

Malcolm and Mary Ann Bastron

Cheryl Batson

Fred Bertschinger

Brent, Betty and Anna Skaja

Jessica Birkenholtz

Andy Birkey and Brandon Gil

Bethany Birnie

Simba Blood

Ralph Broad

Barbara Brockley

Esther Brokaw

Jean Buckley

Susan and Paul Burggraff

Wynn Burnell

Elizabeth Buschor

Ashley Carlin

Sue Carlson

Hans Cederblad

Cassie Champion in honor of Lyndon Torstenson

Daniel Clarkin

Carole Conama

Laura Cooper

Stewart Corn

Arielle Courtney

Soniya Coutinho

Eric Crouch

Laurel Cutright

Robert Donnelly

Jennifer Dullum

Nancy Duncan

Julie Edmiston

John and Ann Elward

Brian Etling

Thomas Evers

Deborah Fellows

Becky Fillinger

Sam Frankel

Sue Fredstrom

Susan Russell Freeman

Anne Fry

Catherine Furnberg

Dorothy Fuss

Florence Golod

Beate Griffin in memory of Gottfried Koch

Philip Hague

Jennifer Halcrow

Mary Hammes

Larry Hampel and Mary Kopet

Craig Hansen

Owen Hansen

Mary Harrington and Jesse Okie

Christina Hausman Rhode

Elizabeth and Sarah Heeren

Deborah Heimel in honor of Ed Heimel

Ron Hiner-Anttila

Nell Holden

James Hollnagel and Pod Nancy Gay

Sam Holsen

James Hostetter

Richard Hurst

Jeanne Iverson in memory of Greg Van Every

Janelle Reich Northwest Area Foundation

Frank and Roxy Janezich

Arielle Johnson

Brenda Kayzar

Michael and Barbara Kelly

Jane Kilgriff

Glenn Klapperich

Lee Korthof

Scott Larson

Vernese Lathrop

Rubin Latz

Andrew Leider

Steve and Lynn Lewis

Mark Lex

Bridgewater Lofts

Maggie Lorenz

Hilary Lovelace

Marti Lybeck

Carrie Magnuson

Ally Mark

Andrew Marotz and Kristy Ornelas

Kelly Martin

Darcey McCampbell

Carrie McCann

Alexis McCarthy

Melissa McCormack

Caitlin McGowan

David McLaughlin

Margaret Miller and Jenise Rowekamp

Jessica Miller

Amy Mino

Leslie Modrack

Mary Beth Moline

Abby Moore in honor of Lyndon Torstenson

Mark Murphy

Laura Murphy

Amelia Narigon

Jessica and Zach Nelson

Tom Nelson in honor of EZJ

Barbara Nykoruk

Gina Odean

Kelly O'Kane

Rebecca Olson

Sharon Olson

Ben Olson

Lon Otto

Gabrielle Pillmann

Kay Pollard

Jason Przybilla

Theresa Ptak

Peggy Radford

Susan Ramlet

Bridget Rau

Suzanne Rhees

Dean Rorig

Callie Sacarelos

Zane Sacarelos

Daniel Sannel

Carissa Scanlan

Dwaine Schense

Rebekah Schmidt

Thomas Schommer

Alice Shapiro

Shelley Shreffler

Trista Soave

Carrie Solberg

Roberta Sorensen

Alena Stewart

Laurel Stiebler

Alan Stinson Alexander Stone

Chuck Stupca

Maya Swope

LeeAnne Taylor

Amy Tebbe

Rheannon Thompson

Thrivent Financial Foundation

Frank Tilotta

Cyri Tjaden

Carey Towne

Maureen Tubbs

Willy Tully

Emily Vanderheyden

Michael Vostal

Richard and Gloria Wachtler

Amy Wagner

Julian Ward

Daniel Wattenhofer and Victoria Housewright

Larry Weiss

Liz Wielinski

Jennifer and Brandon Wiltgen in honor of Anna Waugh

Jeanette and Tim Woessner

Carolyn Wolski

Mary Jody Yungers

John Zielinski

We extend our deepest gratitude to those who supported funds to honor retired Superintendent John O. Anfinson and retired Education Director Lyndon Torstenson.

Funding also provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The Trust Fund is a permanent fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources. Currently 40% of net Minnesota State Lottery proceeds are dedicated to growing the Trust Fund and ensuring future benefits for Minnesota’s environment and natural resources.

Feeling at Home on the River

River Learning Center + National Park Service Headquarters

Illuminate The LockMadweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be HeardBy Moira Villiard

Donor & Volunteer Spotlight: Stephanie Wang

Thanks to the program partners and hosts:

Mississippi River Crew

Walk Through A Planting Site

Donor & Volunteer Spotlight: Merchology

FINANCIALS

Investing in 100% Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) Objectives

Board Members

Staff Members

Service Members

Mississippi River Crew (CCMI)

Mississippi River Fellows

Thank you, Contributors

Contributions of $100,000+

Contributions of $25,000-$49,999

Contributions of $10,000-$24,999

Contributions of $5,000-$9,999

Contributions of $1,000-$4,999

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We extend our deepest gratitude to those who supported funds to honor retired Superintendent John O. Anfinson and retired Education Director Lyndon Torstenson.

River Learning Center
+ National Park Service Headquarters

Illuminate The Lock

Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard
By Moira Villiard